Hicks told Local 10 News he was first inspired to build the 'homeless pod' when the pastor at his downtown Fort Lauderdale church said it "is a good thing to give back."

Soon after that, he was sitting in a restaurant talking to a local businessman about the homeless. Hicks told the guy he could build a safe place for the homeless out of scrap in his warehouse.

He then created a pod that is 8-feet long, 5-feet wide and 4-feet high with bed and sink.

There is a window on the roof which provides fresh air. There is also a rainwater collector which funnels water into the sink for washing hands and feet.

The pod also has a solar panel which powers a porch light.

So far, Hicks has only built a prototype, but said he's getting calls from all over the world.

People in Haiti and the Dominican Republic said the pods are perfect for those displaced by hurricanes or earthquakes. Hicks said he has also received calls from as far away as India.

A man in Indiana called to say he wanted to put one underground to use as a tornado shelter. And hunters from North Florida like the fact that the pods fit in the back of pickups. They would use them as a mobile hunting trailers.

But Hicks said the primary purpose is to help the homeless. The pods have a lock and key and said they provide safe havens for those who need them.

If he produces them for sale, Hicks said he would charge between $1,500 and $1,800 per pod. He understands that is very expensive for a homeless person to pay, but think they would be great for a government organization like FEMA.